The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has condemned the attempt to introduce Sharia in the Southwest, stating that it is alien to Yoruba culture and religious beliefs.

Speaking at the 2025 Oodua Festival held at Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Adams stressed that the introduction of Sharia is aimed at destabilising Yorubaland by religious fanatics and fundamentalists.

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has also rejected the establishment of a Sharia Court in the state, declaring it as illegal and unauthorised. His statement followed the circulation of a flier announcing the launch of a Sharia Court aimed at adjudicating cases based on Islamic law.

Gani Adams emphasized that while Saudi Arabia is an Islamic kingdom where Sharia aligns with religious teachings and is widely accepted, Nigeria remains a nation where the constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

According to him, Saudi Arabia is a good example of an Islamic kingdom that practises Sharia law according to the Holy Quran. The Saudis also adhere strictly to the law,and they are happy because Sharia law is in tandem with their religious beliefs and teachings.

“However, Nigeria is a secular nation where the constitution allows every citizen to practise whatever religion they believe in freely without any intimidation.

“Sharia law is alien to our culture and religious beliefs in Yoruba land, therefore those religious fanatics masquerading as Muslims should stay away from acts that could set a Yoruba Land in fire,” he said.

Meanwhile, berating the resent influx of ISWAP in the South west, Adams called on the federal and State government to intensify efforts in tacking in security in the region.

He further expressed the readiness of the oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to partner with other security groups in curbing the scourge in Yoruba land.

On his part, Abiodun in a personal statement emphasized that Ogun’s legal system only recognizes courts established under Nigeria’s Constitution, including Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, and others. He made it clear that no law in Ogun State authorizes the operation of a Sharia Court and that the court’s creation lacked any legal standing.

Abiodun urged the public to disregard any notices or documents relating to the unauthorised Sharia Court, warning those behind it to immediately cease their activities. He reassured citizens that the state government would uphold the rule of law and prevent any actions that could disrupt public order.

This move comes a week after Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji also rejected the establishment of a Sharia Court in his state.

Meanwhile, opposition to the idea of Sharia Courts in Southwestern Nigeria has earlier been voiced by several groups, including Afenifere and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who argue that such systems threaten Nigeria’s secular constitution.

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